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Debunking The Common Myths About Heart Conditions

Heart health is of utmost importance for everybody. In the last decade or so, we’ve learned a great deal about what causes heart attacks and how to prevent them, however, what you think you know about heart disease may harm your health. Heart disease is the number one killer in the United States, killing more people each year than all types of cancer combined with most deaths resulting from heart attack in people with coronary artery disease.

Anyone can get affected by heart disease regardless of age, even people who eat right. There are many myths surrounding heart disease. It is important to follow medical news closely, otherwise you are bound to have misconceptions about heart disease and its various risk factors. With the right information and action, you can prevent heart failure (HF) or help to improve the health of your ticker even after diagnosis. The fact that heart conditions are dangerous is undisputed, but it’s even more dangerous if one starts to put their trust in false beliefs and assumptions. No matter you are a patient of a heart condition or not, replacing these myths with heart health facts will give you the information you need for you and your doctor to chart the best path to a healthy heart:

Myth: Heart disease is a man’s disease.

Although heart diseases are considered to be the greater evil for men, it affects more women than men and is the chief cause of death for women over 65 years of age (it is the same as it is for men). No matter the individual is a man or a woman, they should consult with their doctor regarding their heart disease risk who may order heart examinations and screenings at regular intervals.

Myth: If you have heart disease, you need to take it slow.

For the vast majority of people with heart disease, leading a sedentary lifestyle is a bad idea, which can lead to blood clots in the legs and can lead to deterioration in one’s overall physical condition. Physical activity (on a daily basis) helps the heart become stronger, helps in blood flow improvement to the brain and internal organs, and improves overall health and well-being. Consult with your doctor with regards to the best exercise for you, and how much you should do. Walking is one of the easiest exercises and any amount of walking is good for the health of your ticker.

Myth: You need to reduce your intake of fat if you suffer from a heart disease.         

Not all types of fat are bad or are required to be avoided, consumption of low levels of saturated fats , especially saturated fats present in vegetable oils, lean meat, salmon, nuts, etc. two to three times in a week can actually keep your heart in good shape. Make sure to replace unhealthy saturated fats with healthy monounsaturated fats and polyunsaturated fats, which may actually lower your LDL (bad cholesterol) levels (major heart disease risk factor).

Myth: If you have no symptoms, you are okay.

Of women who die suddenly of coronary heart disease, 64 percent experience no signs; talk to your doctor about signs and symptoms (you should watch out for) of heart disease.

Myth: If heart disease runs in the family, you as well are susceptible to it.

If you have family members who have a history of heart conditions, in no way does that mean you are susceptible to the same, though it means you have a higher risk. It’s advised that you adopt healthy lifestyle measures such as quit smoking, follow a healthy diet, exercise regularly, better manage your cholesterol, etc. to lower your risk.

Myth: Your aching legs are probably just a sign of aging.

Having pain in the muscles of the leg could be a warning you have peripheral artery disease (PAD), which increases the risk for heart attack or stroke, and is basically a result of plaque accumulation in leg arteries that blocks blood flow.

Myth: Vitamins and supplements can reduce your risk of heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association, there is no scientific evidence to justify using vitamins (vitamins E, C, and beta carotene) to prevent or treat cardiovascular disease. Doctors recommend eating a range of nutritious foods of every color of the rainbow to get the vitamins and minerals required by your body instead of going for store-bought supplements.

To undergo CPR training, sign up for a class at the AHA certified CPR Tampa in Florida. Contact us at 813-453-9974.

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